Iraq passes controversial law amendments that critics fear could legalize child marriage.

Iraq's parliament has passed controversial amendments to the Personal Status Law that critics say could legalize child marriage. The changes allow Islamic courts to oversee family matters, potentially permitting girls as young as nine to marry under some interpretations of Islamic law. The revised bill sets the minimum marriage age at 18, or 15 with consent, and now gives citizens a choice between religious or civil regulations for family matters. The session was marked by chaos and accusations of procedural irregularities, with some lawmakers claiming the vote lacked a proper quorum.

2 months ago
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